E-Cigarette Use in Young Adult Never-Smokers with Disabilities: A Growing Concern

Young adult never-cigarette smokers with disabilities may be at a higher risk for adopting e-cigarettes, but until now, little attention has been paid to this vulnerable population. A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has shed light on the associations between different types of disability and e-cigarette use among young adult never-smokers. The research found that young adults with any type of disability had a 44% increased odds of e-cigarette use compared to those with no disability, with self-care, cognitive, vision, and independent living disabilities being particularly significant risk factors.

Key Takeaways:

• Young adult never-cigarette smokers with disabilities may be at a higher risk for adopting e-cigarettes, with 44% increased odds of e-cigarette use compared to those with no disability.
• Self-care, cognitive, vision, and independent living disabilities were associated with higher odds of e-cigarette use in young adult never-smokers.
• Hearing and mobility disabilities were not significantly associated with increased odds of e-cigarette use.
• This study highlights the need for increased public education and cessation programs for this vulnerable population.

Statistics:

• 79,177 young adult never-smokers were selected for the analysis.
• The odds ratio (OR) for e-cigarette use among young adult never-smokers with any type of disability was 1.44 (95% CI 1.18-1.76).
• The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to select confounders for multivariable logistic regression models.
• The study adjusted for confounders and incorporated the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey design.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Data from University of Connecticut School of Medicine Provide New Insights into Environmental Research and Public Health (E-Cigarette Use in Young Adult Never Cigarette Smokers with Disabilities: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor ...). Health & Medicine Week. June 18, 2021; p 1068.
• International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. E-Cigarette Use in Young Adult Never Cigarette Smokers with Disabilities: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey. 2021; 18(5476):5476. (MDPI AG - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph)
• Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Nkiruka C. Atuegwu, et al. E-Cigarette Use in Young Adult Never Cigarette Smokers with Disabilities: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey.